Volkswagen Caravelle 2008 Review

The 2008 model includes stability control and a choice of wheelbases to give eight or nine seats. Caravelle disappeared from VW showrooms four years ago but the new model is back with a choice of 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engines, with 96kW of power and 340Nm torque or 128kW and a strong 400Nm.

There's a six-speed manual on the short wheelbase with the entry-level engine, or $2500 more brings a six-speed auto with Tiptronic shift which is standard on other versions of the front-wheel-drive vans.

The only other manual version is the Caravelle with the 128kW engine in short-wheelbase form and with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, useful for soft off-bitumen duty and on slippery roads.

As well as stability control, which includes a trailer stabilisation program, Caravelle has ABS, an electronic differential lock, traction control system and engine braking control.

Power front windows, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, bumpers in body colours, trip computer, cruise control and leather-clad steering wheel are also standard equipment.

Depending on wheelbase, the Caravelle length is 4890mm or 5290mm and it has 16in alloy wheels, all-disc brakes and full coil-spring suspension.

The eight-seater has a driver's seat plus front two-seater, a second row of a two-seat bench and a three-seat rear bench seat. The nine-seater has separate front seats, a two-seat bench seat for each of the second and third rows plus a three-seat fourth row.

The Volkswagen Caravelle range starts at $50,490 for the SWB 96kW manual and goes to $57,490 for the 128kW LWB.